Wireless management of remote devices

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a wireless remote network management system for interfacing a series of remote devices (e.g., computers, servers, networking equipment, etc.) to one or more user workstations. The system is multifunctional to allow multiple users to control remote devices through serial access or keyboard, video, and cursor control device access via wireless and hard-wired connections. The remote devices are preferably coupled to a wireless-enabled remote management unit through a chain of computer interface modules, and each user workstation includes a wireless user station coupled to a keyboard, a video monitor and a cursor control device. The remote management unit and user stations preferably communicate via a wireless network, which enables a user workstation to access, monitor and control any of the remote devices.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.10/799,349, filed Mar. 12, 2004, and a continuation-in-part ofapplication Ser. No. 10/233,299, filed Aug. 28, 2002.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a multifunctional wireless networkmanagement system for remotely monitoring and controlling network andcomputer equipment from one or more local user workstations over awireless and/or hard wired network. Specifically, a keyboard, videomonitor, and a cursor control device attached to a user workstation areutilized to remotely monitor and control remote computers, servers,domain servers, file/print servers, headless servers, networkappliances, serial IT equipment, switches, routers, firewalls, securityinterfaces, application servers, load balancers, and the power suppliesto these devices. The system is multifunctional as it allows multipleusers to operate multiple remote devices using serial, KVM, and powersupply control.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In many situations, it is desirable to manage networking equipment,servers, and computers distributed across a network. Early keyboard,video and mouse (“KVM”) switches enabled access to remote devices fromdistances of up to fifteen hundred (1,500) feet over dedicated Category5 (“CAT5”) cables. Newer systems utilize existing networks such as localarea networks (“LANs”) or wide area networks (“WANs”) to enable a userworkstation to access the keyboard port, video port, and cursor controldevice port of a remote device. If the distance between the userworkstation and the remote device is great enough, the Internet iscommonly utilized to enable remote control of computers from a userworkstation.

Early solutions for enabling control of remote computers via a networkor the Internet were implemented using software. For example, thesoftware program pcAnywhere allows remote access to a computer throughthe Internet or a LAN. Remote computer access programs, such aspcAnywhere, typically require installation of software on each remotecomputer. To access a remote computer, a user of the user workstationselects the desired remote computer from a list and (optionally) entersan appropriate username and password. Once access has been granted tothe remote computer, the user utilizes the keyboard, video monitor, andcursor control device attached to the local user workstation to operateand control the remote computer.

To obviate the need to install a software program on each remotecomputer, solutions have been proposed whereby a remote access device iscoupled to each remote computer to communicate with the userworkstation. In these solutions the intermediate remote access devicereceives video from a remote computer, and using a software program(e.g., pcAnywhere) transmits the video to a user workstation. Thesoftware program is also used to receive keyboard and cursor controldevice signals from the user workstation. The remote access device thensupplies these signals to the keyboard port and cursor control deviceport of the remote computer. Using an intermediate remote access deviceeliminates the need for software to be installed on each remotecomputer, but still relies on proprietary software, such as pcAnywhere.

Solutions have been proposed that fully eliminate the use of softwareprograms such as pcAnywhere. These hardware solutions typically use aKVM switch which is accessible over the Internet or LAN via a commonprotocol, such as TCP/IP. Such hardware solutions may also utilize amodem to connect to the Internet. Generally, a user or systemadministrator accesses the remote computers attached to the KVM switchutilizing an Internet web-browser or client software associated with theKVM switch. Once the remote computer has been selected, video signalsfrom the remote computer are routed to the user workstation's videomonitor. Simultaneously, a user can control the remote computer using alocal keyboard and/or cursor control device. The KVM switch mayadditionally include a connection to the power source of the remotecomputer for a hard reboot in case of system failure. These solutionsare generally limited to KVM and/or power control via a hard-wiredconnection. These solutions are also limited because they do not offerwireless access, serial control, scalable solutions, etc. In short,these solutions generally only provide one function for a userworkstation; KVM access to a single remote device.

Recently there has been a proliferation of wireless technologies toenable computers to communicate and share resources. For example, theBluetooth and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (“IEEE”)802.11 standards are two rapidly developing technologies that allowcomputers to wirelessly communicate with one another. Devices arecommercially available that comply with the 802.11 standard and enablewireless TCP/IP communications over distances of up to three hundred(300) feet or more. For example, PCMCIA wireless cards enable laptops tocommunicate utilizing the TCP/IP protocol. Many 802.11 compatiblewireless local area networks (“WLANs”) are now utilized in lieu of, orin conjunction with, local area networks. In contrast, Bluetooth devicesare generally utilized for shorter range communication, utilizing lowertransmission rates than 802.11 compliant devices.

The 802.11 standard, ratified by the IEEE in 1997, is a wirelesscommunications standard generally utilized for networking, file sharingand Internet connection sharing. In 1999, two extensions to the 802.11standard were added, 802.11a and 802.11b. The 802.11a standard operatesin a frequency range of 5 Gigahertz (“GHz”) at speeds of up to 54Megabits per second (“Mbps”). The 802.11b standard (also known as WiFi),was designed to be more affordable, and operates in the 2.64 GHz rangeat speeds of up to 11 Mbps. With the proliferation of 802.11b devices,the 802.11g standard was recently ratified which allows for 802.11aspeeds in 802.11b compatible frequencies.

All 802.11 standards allow computers to communicate wirelessly,eliminating the need for hubs, routers, switches, etc. The 802.11standard allows for the creation of WLANS, which use the same TCP/IPcommunication protocols as traditional wired LANs. With commerciallyavailable wireless communication devices, two computers can communicatefrom up to three hundred (300) feet away. However, with repeaters,stronger antennae, signal boosters, etc., can increase this range.Today, wireless networks are available in airports, coffee shops,college campuses, etc.

Importantly, the 802.11 standard allows for at least two differentnetwork configurations: (1) an infrastructure mode in which all trafficpasses through a wireless “access point”; and (2) an “ad-hoc” mode (or“peer-to-peer” mode) in which devices communicate without an accesspoint. Independent of the mode, the 802.11 standard supports wirelessnetworks that offer the same communications (e.g., TCP/IP, file sharing,Internet sharing, etc.) as a wired connection.

In the infrastructure mode, devices communicate through a wirelessaccess point. An access point is similar to a hub, or router (butwithout wires), in that it receives and transmits all data betweenwireless devices. Advantages of the infrastructure mode includeincreased scalability, increased range of communication, and access to awired network. By adding additional access points, the network can growwithout undue burden on any one device. An access point can also beutilized to increase the range of communications. Cascading accesspoints and signal boosters can overcome the three hundred (300) footcommunication limit of most 802.11 devices. Finally, traditional accesspoints also offer access to a wired network. Therefore, aninfrastructure network easily adapts to communicate with an Ethernet LANor an Internet connection.

An ad-hoc network is more dynamic—it can be created and torn-down easilywithout additional hardware. Computers can enter and leave the networkso long as the computer is configured to access a wireless network withthe same service set identifier (“SSID”) as other computers in thenetwork. Generally, an SSID is a sequence of alphanumeric charactersthat identifies the ad-hoc network. The ad-hoc network alsoadvantageously requires no external hardware. An ad-hoc network can becreated with multiple computers alone, so long as each computer has aWiFi compatible communications device.

An important feature of the 802.11 standard is the availability ofmultiple channels of communications, utilizing Direct Sequence SpreadSpectrum (“DSSS”) technology, to allow for this feature. DSSS is atechnology that allows for the transmission of data over a range offrequencies, which decreases the power utilized at any one frequency.Therefore, DSSS allows for fast communications with little interference.Thus, DSSS permits an 802.11 network to include multiple communicationschannels. Further, the wireless network can co-exist with other wirelessdevices that operate in similar frequency ranges.

Generally, in an ad-hoc network, one of the available channels (the FCCcurrently allows for eleven (11) total channels) is utilized as a“broadcast” channel. The broadcast channel allows devices to “discover”other devices in range of communication and to transmit messages thatare received by all devices. Thus, the broadcast channel is a criticalfeature of the 802.11 standard that allows for the creation of ad-hocnetworks in which devices can automatically join and leave the network.The network then utilizes one of a variety of algorithms such as aspokesman election algorithm (“SEA”) or a broadcast/flooding algorithmfor all other communications. In SEA, one computer is “elected” to headthe network and tracks the addition of other computers to and from thenetwork. In a broadcast/flooding algorithm, generally all messages aresent to all computers. If an access point is utilized, then no suchalgorithms are necessary. Instead, the access point can be utilized toensure that all messages reach the correct destination.

Systems that enable wireless access of a remote device are currentlyknown in the art of computer management. For example, one such systemcomprises a single receiver and a single transmitter that together allowa user to access a remote computer using a keyboard, video monitor, andcursor control device. In this system, both the receiver and thetransmitter are enabled for wireless communication. The receiver,coupled to the keyboard and mouse, receives keyboard and mouse data andwirelessly transmits this data to the transmitter. The transmitter iscoupled to a remote computer and supplies the data to the keyboard andmouse ports of this remote computer. Simultaneously, the transmitterreceives video data from the remote computer and transmits this datawirelessly to the receiver where it is displayed on the video monitorcoupled to the receiver. Thus, this system enables extended lengthaccess of a single remote computer through a wireless connection.

Another known system consists of a switching device for controllingmultiple remote computers where the switching device comprises awireless transmitter and a wireless receiver. The switching device isconfigured to enable a user to select from among multiple computingdevices and wirelessly link a peripheral device with a selectedcomputing device for user interaction. In this system, the switchingdevice initially develops a list of available computing devices. A userchooses from this list and the switching device establishes a wirelesslink with the corresponding computing device. Thus, this wireless switchonly enables one connection between a user and a remote computer at anyinstance. Further, each of the computing devices must also have wirelesscommunication capabilities to enable wireless communication with theswitch.

A method for switching the utilization of a shared set of wireless I/Odevices between multiple computers is also known in the art. This methodincludes the utilization of a software based switching mechanism wherewireless protocols enable the sharing of wireless peripheral devicesbetween multiple computers. A wireless data packet (a “token”) isutilized to transfer control of the I/O devices utilizing a“master-slave” relationship for the transfer of control. The token isthe form of computer-to-computer wireless command utilized to transfercontrol of a wireless peripheral device from one device to another.Thus, in this known system, server-to-server communications arenecessary for transferring the control of a wireless peripheral.Further, in this system only one computer can control a set of wirelessperipherals at a time.

In another known system for accessing computer systems in a computernetwork, each computer system provides and receives operator interfacedata signals containing user output and input information. Central tothis system is a wireless administrator device that allows a systemoperator to remotely control a plurality of computer systemsinterconnected through a communications network. The wirelessadministrator device includes a wireless communications module thatoperates in “transmit” and “receive” modes to communicate with thewireless communication modules coupled to the computer systems. Thewireless administrator device includes an operator interface with avideo display, mouse and keyboard to enable user interaction in aselection mode or a control mode. The interface includes a manualconnect button that allows the administrator to display on the video alist of available computer systems that may be accessed. Upon selectionof a computer, the administrator remotely controls the computer throughthe operator interface.

Finally, systems are also known that provide a wireless interfacebetween a remote host computer and a personal digital assistant (“PDA”).In one such system, the PDA presents the user with a graphical userinterface (“GUI”) allowing for input by way of a passive stylus, whichcan be used in a pen mode or a mouse mode. The PDA also includes atransceiver that communicates wirelessly with the transceiver of aremote computer. The transceiver allows the wireless device to accessthe remote host computer over a wireless LAN or through a peer-to-peernetwork. The system also allows a user to view available remote hostcomputers through the GUI of the wireless device and to access theprograms and files of the remote computer. The remote computer in turn,transmits display commands to the wireless device. A similar systemutilizes Bluetooth communications to enable a PDA to recognize andidentify all compliant remote devices by transmitting a broadcastmessage that is received by compliant remote devices. In this system,the PDA includes a GUI to display a rendering of a mechanism that can beutilized to control a remote device. For example, the rendering might beof an on/off switch. The PDA receives input from a stylus, andtranslates this input into a command for the remote device.

In view of the foregoing, a need clearly exists for a comprehensivemultifunction remote device management system capable of wirelesslyoperating and controlling a number of remote servers, file/printservers, headless servers, network appliances, serial IT equipment,switches, routers, firewalls, security interfaces, application servers,load balancers, and environmental controls as their associated powersupplies are connected to a remote control device. Such a system shouldoffer a variety of functions to a user including controlling devices viaKVM access, controlling devices via serial port access, and controllingthe power supply of devices. The system should also be accessible via awireless and/or hard wired connection. Furthermore such a system shouldeasily scale to allow for the access and control of many remote devicessimultaneously by many different user workstations. Finally, such asystem should enable both serial and KVM access to such remote devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a system and method that enables users toremotely access computers, servers, and networking equipment from localuser workstations. The invention also enables users to control the powersupply of these devices. The system enables multiple users to accessmultiple remote devices in a variety of ways (wireless access, wiredaccess, direct KVM access, modem access, etc.) to control and interactwith the devices using a variety of control methods (KVM control, serialcontrol, etc.). In this sense, the system is multifunctional and thus animprovement over existing systems, which generally only offer KVM accessover hard-wired connections.

Central to the invention is a wireless-enabled remote management unit(“W-RMU”). The W-RMU communicates with multiple user workstationsthrough wireless or wired TCP/IP connections and with the remote devicesvia a chain-like arrangement of computer interface modules (“Z-CIMs”).Thus, the W-RMU enables a user at a local user workstation to access andcontrol any of the remote devices as if the user were physically presentat the device.

Each remote device bi-directionally communicates with a Z-CIM, whichin-turn communicates with the W-RMU. Generally, networking equipment isaccessible via a serial port and computers and servers are accessiblevia a keyboard port, video port and cursor control port (KVM ports).Therefore, the system preferably includes two classes of Z-CIMs, a firstclass which communicates with KVM ports, and a second class whichcommunicates with a serial port.

To interface the remote devices to the W-RMU, the Z-CIMs are preferablyconnected in a chain-like arrangement such that only the first and lastZ-CIMs in the chain directly connect to the W-RMU. The connectionsbetween the Z-CIMs and the connections from the Z-CIMs to the W-RMU areboth preferably accomplished with CAT5 cabling, although other types ofcabling may be used. Advantageously, the chain of Z-CIMs can be a hybridchain (i.e., a mix of both KVM port Z-CIMs and serial port Z-CIMs).Thus, the Z-CIMs enable the system to offer multiple functions (e.g.,serial access, KVM access, etc.) to multiple users simultaneously.

Using a chain-like configuration of Z-CIMs has a number of advantages.First, the Z-CIM configuration is easily scalable; servers or otherdevices can be added to the system by inserting a corresponding Z-CIM atany point in the chain. Second, the Z-CIM configuration does not requireeach remote device to directly connect to the W-RMU. Therefore, thedistance between the W-RMU and a remote device is not severelyconstrained. Third, a Z-CIM configuration is easy to implementefficiently and inexpensively. Specifically, the Z-CIM configurationdoes not require tiered levels of KVM switches or devices, which aregenerally necessary in traditional configurations. The chain-likearrangement thus enables the W-RMU to communicate with many (e.g.,sixty-four (64) or more) remote devices despite only two Z-CIMs directconnections.

To increase the flexibility and efficiency of the system, a Z-CIMpreferably does not require its own power source. Instead, the firstclass of Z-CIMs (i.e., KVM port Z-CIMs) receives power from acorresponding computer or server. The second class of Z-CIMs (i.e.,serial port Z-CIMs) advantageously receives power from the W-RMU. In theset up of the second class, power is supplied over the wiring,preferably CAT5 cabling, between the W-RMU and the Z-CIMs.

The W-RMU bi-directionally communicates with each remote device throughthe chain of Z-CIMs. The W-RMU also bi-directionally communicates withone or more user workstations via TCP/IP connection(s). The TCP/IPconnection may be through a LAN, WAN, the Internet, or through awireless connection. Preferably, the W-RMU employs one or more 802.11compliant devices (e.g., Wi-Fi compatible wireless cards) to enablewireless communication in an ad-hoc or peer-to-peer wireless network.Alternatively, the W-RMU may act as a wireless access point, in whichcase the wireless communications between the user workstations and theW-RMUs is completed in an 802.11 compliant infrastructure mode.Regardless of the specific type of wireless communications utilized, thenetwork protocol used for these communications is preferably TCP/IP. Ofcourse, other types of access (modem, serial, direct KVM access) arealso supported by the W-RMU.

To utilize the system of the present invention, a user first initiates amanagement session by utilizing client software located on a userworkstation to connect to the W-RMU. Alternatively, the user may utilizean Internet browser to wirelessly connect to the W-RMU. The user is thenprompted by the W-RMU to provide identification information such as auser name and password, biometric identification, an RFID tag, etc. TheW-RMU is capable of storing multiple profiles and different levels ofaccess for each profile. Once a user has been authenticated, the user isprovided an option menu on the user workstation's monitor, whichcomprises a menu listing the networking equipment, servers, andcomputers accessible to the user. In the preferred embodiment, theoption menu additionally contains an interface allowing a user tocontrol the power to each piece of remote equipment. However, oneskilled in the art will recognize that power control may be implementedin a variety of other ways. Alternatively, power could be controlled bya special Z-CIM that connects to another device, such as a power strip,or a Z-CIM connected over a wired or wireless LAN to another device.Additionally, a Z-CIM could have a power control option, where the Z-CIMhas an additional interface to cause the power cycle.

The option menu may be produced by option menu circuitry located in theW-RMU, or in the alternative, by software on the user workstationutilizing data from the W-RMU. The option menu is preferably interactiveand enables the user to select desired networking equipment, a server,or a computer by utilizing the keyboard and/or cursor control deviceattached to the user workstation. Once a user makes a selection, theuser is provided access to the remote equipment as if the user isphysically located at the remote site.

If the user elects to control a serial device, the user is presentedwith a terminal-like window on the local monitor. Importantly, a usermay have more than one such window open at a time, which enables theuser to quickly switch between multiple serial devices. The user canenter data using the local keyboard or cursor control device. The userworkstation receives this data and transmits it to the W-RMU as TCP/IPdata. The W-RMU receives the TCP/IP data and extracts the informationentered by the user. The W-RMU then creates serial data from thisinformation which is transmitted to the remote device via that device'sserial port connection to a Z-CIM and the Z-CIM connection to the W-RMUvia the chain-like configuration.

Serial communication is bi-directional. When data is sent from theremote device to the user workstation, the output serial data istransmitted to the W-RMU via the Z-CIM. The W-RMU generates TCP/IP datathat includes this serial data and then transmits the TCP/IP data to theuser workstation via the wireless or hard-wired connection. The userworkstation receives and interprets this TCP/IP data, and outputs thedevice response to the terminal window on the user workstation videomonitor.

If the remote device selected by the user is a remote computer orserver, the user is presented with a window that displays the “desktop”of the remote device. Again, the user may have multiple windows open,thus enabling the user to control multiple remote devices. Because thesystem is multifunctional, the user can have both serial device windowsand KVM device windows open simultaneously.

When controlling a KVM device, communication of keyboard and cursorcontrol device data is similar to the bi-directional transmission ofserial data. Specifically, the user workstation transmits keyboard andcursor control device signals to the W-RMU as TCP/IP data. The W-RMUreceives the TCP/IP data and transmits keyboard and cursor controldevice signals to the appropriate remote device. In the reversedirection, keyboard and cursor control device signals are transmittedfrom the remote device to the W-RMU via a Z-CIM. The W-RMU thengenerates TCP/IP signals which are transmitted to the user workstation.

The transmission of video signals from a remote device to the userworkstation is more complicated. Before transmission via TCP/IP, theunidirectional video signals (i.e., from the remote device to the userworkstation) are digitized by a frame grabber. This circuit capturesvideo output from the initiating computer at a speed of at least twenty(20) frames/second and converts the captured analog video signals into adigital representation of pixels. In the preferred embodiment, eachpixel is digitally represented with five (5) bits for red, five (5) bitsfor green, and five (5) bits for blue. The digital representation isthen stored in a raw frame buffer. The compression algorithm thenprocesses the digital data contained in the raw frame buffer. acompression algorithm is actually a combination of four sub-algorithms(i.e., the Noise Reduction and Difference Test (“NRDT”), Smoothing,Caching, and Bit Splicing/Compression sub-algorithms) as described ingreater detail below. One skilled in the art will recognize that thereare other encoding schemes possible. For example, six (6) bits of colorcould be used for green, five (5) bits for blue, and five (5) bits forred.

After the user workstation receives the video signals, decompressionoccurs. The user workstation operates as a decompression device byexecuting a decompression algorithm. Along with any transmitted video ordata signals, the W-RMU transmits messages to the decompression devicesregarding the portions of the video that yield “cache” hits (i.e.,portions of unchanged video). In response, the decompression deviceconstructs the video frame based upon the transmitted video signals andthe blocks of pixels contained in its local cache. Also, thedecompression device updates its local cache with the new blocks ofpixels received from the W-RMU. In this manner, the decompression devicecaches remain synchronized with the compression device cache. Both thecompression device and the decompression device update their respectivecache by replacing older video data with newer video data.

Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment, the video signals transmittedby the W-RMU are compressed using a lossless compression algorithm.Therefore, the decompression device (e.g., software on the userworkstation) must reverse this lossless compression. This is done byidentifying the changed portions of the video image based upon flagstransmitted by the W-RMU. From this flag information, the decompressiondevice is able to reconstruct full frames of video. Alternatively, lossycompression may be used as it makes the compression more compact.

In addition, the decompression device converts the video frame to itsoriginal color scheme by reversing a color code table (“CCT”)conversion. The decompression device, like the W-RMU, locally stores acopy of the same CCT used to compress the video data. The CCT is thenused to convert the video data received from the W-RMU to a standard RGBformat that may be displayed on the monitor attached to the userworkstation.

The decompression algorithm can be implemented in the remote networkmanagement system of the present invention in a variety of embodiments.For example, in one embodiment, it can be implemented as a softwareapplication that is executed by the user workstation. In an alternateembodiment, the decompression algorithm can be implemented to executewithin a web browser such as Internet Explorer or Netscape® Navigator®.Advantageously, such an embodiment eliminates the need for installationof application specific software on the user workstation. Also, thisembodiment allows the W-RMU to easily transmit the video signals to anyuser workstation with Internet capabilities, regardless of the distanceat which the remote device is located from the initiating computer. Sucha feature reduces the cabling cost associated with the remote networkmanagement system of the present invention.

Finally, since the remote network management system of the presentinvention allows for platform independent communications, thecompression algorithm utilized neither employs operating system specifichooks, nor uses platform specific Graphical Device Interface (“GDI”)calls.

Because the video compression algorithm of the present invention isoperating system independent, the W-RMU provides compatibility betweenvarious operating systems and/or communication protocols, including butnot limited to, those manufactured by Microsoft Corporation(“Microsoft”) (Windows), Apple Computer, Inc. (“Apple”) (Macintosh), SunMicrosystems, Inc. (“Sun”) (Solaris), Digital Equipment Corporation(“DEC”), Compaq Computer Corporation (“Compaq”) (Alpha), InternationalBusiness Machines (“IBM”) (RS/6000), Hewlett-Packard Company (“HP”)(HP9000) and SGI (formerly “Silicon Graphics, Inc.”) (IRIX).

In the preferred embodiment, the compression algorithm described hereinand in co-pending application Ser. No. 10/233,299 is used to transmitthe video signals. However, the video transmission system is not limitedto such an embodiment. Rather, this system may be employed with anycompression algorithm without departing from the spirit of theinvention.

As is known in the art of KVM switches and remote device managementsystems, security is of utmost concern. If access to the system (and tothe transmission of data within the system) is not secure, hackers,competitors, or other unauthorized users can potentially view andmanipulate confidential information. Therefore, it is preferred that auser is required to log-in with a user identification number andpassword, biometric identification data, an RFID tag, etc. The presentinvention also supports secure transmission of data between the W-RMUand the user workstations by integrating with digital encryptiontechniques. For example, a 128-bit encryption technique may be used bothto verify the identity of the W-RMU and to encrypt and decrypt thetransmitted video and data signals. In this embodiment, a 128-bit publickey RSA encryption technique is used to verify the remote participant,and a 128-bit RC4 private key encryption is used to encrypt and decryptthe transmitted signals. Of course, other encryption techniques orsecurity measures may be used.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide amultifunctional wireless remote device management system where one ormore wireless-enabled user workstations can control multiple devicesthrough serial port access or through keyboard, video and cursor controldevice port access where such devices are connected to a remotemanagement unit through a chain arrangement of computer interfacemodules.

In addition, it is an object of the present invention to provide awireless-enabled remote network management system that allows anauthorized user to control any of a number of remote devices from one ormore local user workstations.

Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide a remotenetwork management system that allows one or more local userworkstations to wirelessly access and operate remote networkingequipment, servers, and computers connected to a remote management unitthrough a chain-like arrangement of computer interface modules.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a single,platform-independent remote network management system offering scalable,integrated, and secure control.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a remotenetwork management system that enables a user to wirelessly accessremote devices obviating the need to connect an extended length cablebetween the user workstation and the remote management unit.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a remotenetwork management system capable of BIOS-level control of KVM equipmentand console-level control of serial devices through a wireless-enableduser workstation.

Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide a remotenetwork management system which provides a single consolidated view ofall servers and other connected devices from one screen via a webbrowser.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a remotenetwork management system which contains a single sign-on and interface.

Additionally, it is an object of the present invention to provide aremote network management system which is upgradeable.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a remotenetwork management system which provides high performance over lowbandwidth connections including wireless connections.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a remotenetwork management system which utilizes a video compression algorithmand frame-grabber technology to ensure fast transmission of high qualityvideo.

Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide aremote network management system including built-in serial portbuffering to provide views of recent console history.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide auser-friendly wireless remote network management system.

In addition, it is an object of the present invention to provide aremote network management system that is compact and provides readilyaccessible communication ports.

Further, it is an object of present invention to provide a remotenetwork management system, which allows error-free communicationsbetween peripheral devices of a local user workstation and networkingequipment, servers, and computers located at domain servers, file/printservers, headless servers, network appliances, serial IT equipment,switches, routers, firewalls, security interfaces, application servers,load balancers, environmental controls, etc.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a remotenetwork management system capable of wirelessly controlling the powersupply to remotely located networking equipment, servers, and computers.

Other objects, features, and characteristics of the present invention,as well as the methods of operation and functions of the relatedelements of the structure, and the combination of parts and economies ofmanufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of thefollowing detailed description with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, all of which form a part of this specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A further understanding of the present invention can be obtained byreference to a preferred embodiment set forth in the illustrations ofthe accompanying drawings. Although the illustrated embodiment is merelyexemplary of systems for carrying out the present invention, both theorganization and method of operation of the invention, in general,together with further objectives and advantages thereof, may be moreeasily understood by reference to the drawings and the followingdescription. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of thisinvention, which is set forth with particularity in the claims asappended or as subsequently amended, but merely to clarify and exemplifythe invention.

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference isnow made to the following drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of the multifunction wirelessremote device management system according to the preferred embodiment ofthe present invention, illustrating the connection of thewireless-enabled remote management unit (“W-RMU”) to multiple remotedevices via a chain of compact remote device interface modules(“Z-CIMs”) and the wireless/wired communication between the W-RMU andmultiple user workstations to enable a user to access and control any ofthe remote devices.

FIG. 2 is a screen-shot of an example log-in screen used to validate auser as authorized to access any of the remote devices connected to themultifunction wireless remote device management system according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 3 is a screen-shot of an example option menu used to select any ofthe remote devices (i.e., networking equipment, servers, computers,etc.) for access and control.

FIG. 4 is a screen-shot of an example interface used to control a remotecomputer or server via KVM port access.

FIG. 5 is a screen-shot of an example interface used to control a remotedevice via serial port access.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the preferred embodiment of the W-RMU shownin FIG. 1 illustrating the internal structure of the W-RMU andconnectors for local KVM access and for a chain of Z-CIMs.

FIG. 7 is a detailed block diagram of a first class of Z-CIMillustrating the internal structure of the Z-CIM and connectors forinterfacing with the keyboard port, video monitor port, cursor controldevice port and power supply of a remote device and for connecting theZ-CIM to other Z-CIMs in a chain.

FIG. 8 is a detailed block diagram of a second class of Z-CIMillustrating the internal structure of the Z-CIM and connectors forinterfacing with the serial port and power supply of a W-RMU and forconnecting the Z-CIM to other Z-CIMs in a chain.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As required, a detailed illustrative embodiment of the present inventionis disclosed herein. However, techniques, systems and operatingstructures in accordance with the present invention may be embodied in awide variety of forms and modes, some of which may be quite differentfrom those in the disclosed embodiment. Consequently, the specificstructural and functional details disclosed herein are merelyrepresentative, yet in that regard, they are deemed to afford the bestembodiment for purposes of disclosure and to provide a basis for theclaims herein, which define the scope of the present invention. Thefollowing presents a detailed description of the preferred embodiment(as well as some alternative embodiments) of the present invention.

Referring first to FIG. 1, depicted is the preferred architecture of themultifunction wireless remote device management system in accordancewith the present invention. Specifically, multifunction wirelesscomputer management system 100 is shown including multiple userworkstations 101 a-n, where “n” is an integer representative of thenumber of workstations. Each user workstation 101 a-n preferablycomprises general purpose computer 102 a-n coupled to keyboard 103 a-n,video monitor 105 a-n, and cursor control device 107 a-n. Further, eachuser workstation 101 a-n includes a circuit or device for communicatingwith W-RMU 121. For example, user workstations 101 a-b include wirelesscommunications devices 109 a-b, which are preferably 802.11 compliantdevices, although devices compliant with other known standards may beused. Each wireless communications device 109 a-b preferably includesantenna 111 a-b capable of transceiving wireless communications data.W-RMU 121 also includes a wireless communications device 123 and antenna125 to enable transceiving of data to and from these wireless-enableduser workstations.

Preferably W-RMU 121 communicates wirelessly with one or all of userworkstations 101 a-b. Although any type of wireless network may be used,an 802.11 compatible network is preferable because it supports TCP/IPcommunication. If an 802.11 network is used, W-RMU 121 may be configuredto act as a wireless access point. Alternatively, a peer-to-peer networkmay be established between W-RMU 121 and user workstations 101 a-b.

Although 802.11 compliant wireless communications are the preferredwireless standard for use with the present invention, other types ofwireless connections such as infrared communications or Bluetoothcompliant communications may be utilized, depending on the specificneeds of the system user. 802.11 compliant communications are preferredbecause 802.11 compliant communications allow for the creation of apeer-to-peer WLAN, where devices automatically discover other devices inthe network. Further, the 802.11 standard enables communications overextended distances where the speed of the signal can automatically bereduced as the distance increases thus avoiding excessive degradation ofthe signal. Additionally, standard radio communications utilized in802.11 standards do not require line-of-site communications. Finally,the 802.11 standard enables the system of the present invention toutilize TCP/IP communications, therefore enabling the establishment of aWLAN network without extensive software development.

W-RMU 121 preferably also includes other means of communicating withuser workstations 101 a-n. For example, W-RMU 121 may include networkcard 127 which enables connections to packet-switched networks such asLANs, WANs or the Internet. As depicted in FIG. 1, network card 127connects to Internet 131 through connection 133. Similarly, any one ormore of user workstations 101 a-n may include network card 113 (onlyshown on workstation 101 n), which enables user workstations 101 a-n toconnect to Internet 131 through connection 135.

W-RMU 121 may also include a modem (not shown in FIG. 1) to allow fortelephone access. As is known in the art, modem connections are slow andthus generally reserved for emergency access (e.g., if there is Internetor network failure).

W-RMU 121 may also include local KVM access from administrator station161, which connects directly to W-RMU 121 utilizing standard cabling andstandard connections (e.g., PS/2, DB-9, DB-15, USB, etc.). Theperipherals local to W-RMU 121 allow an administrator to configure,debug or upgrade W-RMU 121. The local peripherals can also be used togain access to the remote devices for monitoring or control. Optionally,the system may be configured such that an administrator can performthese functions remotely from any one of workstations 101 a-n or anyother similar remote terminal or station.

To interface with remote devices, W-RMU 121 connects to chain 151 ofcompact computer interface modules (“Z-CIMs”) 153 a-n. At least twogeneral classes of Z-CIMs are presently supported by the system of thepresent invention, a first class supporting KVM access, and a secondclass supporting serial port access to connect to various remote devices141 a-n. As shown in FIG. 1, Z-CIMs 153 a and 153 c are KVM Z-CIMs andconnect to remote devices 141 a and 141 c through KVM connections 143 aand 143 c, respectively. Z-CIM 153 b is a serial Z-CIM and connects toremote device 141 b through serial connection 143 b. Remote devices 141a-n shown in FIG. 1 are merely examples of typical remote devicesaccessed in system 100. More and different remote devices 141 a-n areforeseeable without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Chain 151, comprised of a plurality of connections 157, connect theZ-CIMs to W-RMU 121 in a daisy chain arrangement. Alternatively, Z-CIM153 n may be connected to a terminator, as opposed to W-RMU 121. Theterminator connects to the input of Z-CIM 153 n. Preferably, connections157 are CAT5 cables. CAT5 cabling is preferred because it reducescabling cost while maintaining the strength of signals that aretransmitted over an extended distance. CAT5 cables also enabletransmission of power so that the serial Z-CIMs (e.g., Z-CIM 153 b) canbe powered by W-RMU 121. Because of the power requirements of KVM Z-CIMs153 a and 153 c, these Z-CIMs are preferably powered by remote computers141 a and 141 c, respectively.

Using the Z-CIM configuration described, W-RMU 121 enables connectionsto a variety of remote devices, which may use operating systems andprotocols, including but not limited to those manufactured by Microsoft(Windows), Apple (Macintosh), Sun (Solaris), DEC, Compaq (Alpha), IBM(RS/6000), HP (HP9000) and SGI (IRIX). Additionally, local devices maycommunicate with remote computers via a variety of protocols includingUniversal Serial Bus (“USB”), American Standard Code for InformationInterchange (“ASCII”) and Recommend Standard-232 (“RS-232”).

Operation of system 100 will now be described. To remotely control andmanage remote devices 141 a-n the user at one of user workstations 101a-n must first establish a connection with W-RMU 121, which may be anytype of connection (wireless, wired, modem, direct, etc.). Preferably,the connection is a TCP/IP connection which enables secure and accuratecommunications between user workstation 101 and W-RMU 121.

Once the connection with W-RMU 121 is established, the user ispreferably required to provide identification information before accessto any of remote devices 141 a-n is granted. This step limits thepossibility of an unauthorized user tampering with remote devices 141a-n or gaining access to sensitive information. The identificationinformation required from the user may consist of a user name andpassword, biometric identification information, information transmittedfrom a radio frequency identification (“RFID”) tag, or some combinationthereof. As depicted in FIG. 2, example log-in window 200 is presentedto a user after a connection with W-RMU 121 is initiated. Log-in window200, which is displayed on local video monitor 105, may consist ofuser-name field 201, password field 203, enter button 205, login button207, and exit button 209.

To gain access, the user interacts with log-in window 200 using cursorcontrol device 107 and keyboard 103. Specifically, the user enters hisuser identification information in user-name field 201 and his passwordin password field 203. When the user “clicks” login button 207 (usingcursor control device 107), user workstation 101 transmits theinformation provided in user field 201 and password field 203 to W-RMU121 as TCP/IP data.

Log-in window 200 may be generated by user workstation 101 or by W-RMU121. For example, W-RMU 121 may transmit log-in window 200 as aweb-page, making it accessible via a web-browser on user workstation101. Alternatively, log-in window 200 may be generated by an Applet orby software local to user workstation 101.

Log-in window 200 is merely exemplary of one possible type of log-incompatible with the invention. The log-in process may requireidentification such as biometric identification (e.g., fingerprints,voiceprints, retinal scans, etc), RFID signals, etc. Alternatively, thesystem can be configured to skip the log-in procedure.

After the user enters his user identification information, theinformation is transmitted from user workstation 101 to W-RMU 121. W-RMU121 receives the information and authenticates the user. If the user hasprovided valid identification information, the user is granted access toan interface which enables the user to view a listing of accessibleremote devices. A user may be restricted to only access certain remotedevices 141 a-n or to only perform certain functions, as determined bythe identification information

If the user at user workstation 101 is authorized to access remotedevices 141 a-n, an interactive option menu is displayed on local videomonitor 105, which enables a user to find and select remote devices 141a-n for control. FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary option menu 300, althoughthe form and content of the menu can vary without departing from thespirit of the present invention. Option menu 300 comprises devicesub-window 301, details sub-window 303, custom-view form 305, and menubar 309.

Device sub-window 301 displays an organized list of remote devices 141a-n. Tabs 311, 313, and 315 enable a user to view the list sortedaccording to particular criteria. As depicted, list 317 is sortedaccording to the group associated with each remote device 141 a-n.Alternatively, list 317 can be sorted according to device name, the userassociated with each device, the type of connection to W-RMU (e.g.,serial, KVM, power), etc. List 317 is a multi-level, expandable,clickable list that enables a user to quickly find and select a remotedevice 141 a-n. Clicking on one of the items in list 317 enables theuser to select the associated remote device 141 a-n for control.

Details sub-window 303 enables a user to view the detailed attributes ofone or more remote devices 141 a-n. For example, the name, group,applications, IP address, status, owner, location, etc., of a device canbe viewed in details sub-window 303. Alternatively, a user can searchfor devices with certain of these attributes, with the results returnedto details sub-window 303 (e.g., a user can search for all devices thatoperate a platform). Similar to list 317, the list of remote devices 141a-n displayed on details sub-window 303 is clickable, sort-able, etc.Clicking on one of the items in the list enables the user to select theassociated remote device 141 a-n for control.

The user can choose which attributes to view for a remote device 141 a-nby interacting with custom view form 305. Specifically, custom view form305 allows a user to add, edit, or delete the attributes the user wishesto view for a remote device 141 a-n. Finally, menu bar 309 enables auser to search for a particular remote device, to customize option menu300, or to request help.

If a user selects a remote device 141 a-n for KVM control, userworkstation 101 sends TCP/IP data with control signals to W-RMU 121.W-RMU 121 interprets the control signals and establishes communicationsto enable user workstation 101 to communicate with the selected remotedevice 141 a-n. Specifically, W-RMU 121 enables bi-directionaltransmission of keyboard and cursor control device signals, andunidirectional transmission of video signals from the select remotedevice 141 a-n to local video monitor 105 of user workstation 101.

As depicted in FIG. 4, if a user selects a remote computer or server tomonitor and/or control via KVM port access, desktop window 401 from theremote device selected is displayed on local video monitor 105, asshown. Remote desktop window 401 enables a user to remotely monitor,control and interact with any remote device 141 a-n using local keyboard103, video monitor 105, and cursor control device 107. At the same time,remote desktop window 401 is updated as new frames of video are receivedfrom remote computer 141 a-n.

As the user operates keyboard 103 and cursor control device 107, userworkstation 101 transmits keyboard and cursor control device signals toW-RMU 121 as TCP/IP data. W-RMU 121 receives the TCP/IP data andtransmits keyboard and cursor control device signals to the selectedremote device 141 a-n. In the reverse direction, keyboard and cursorcontrol device signals are transmitted from remote device 141 a-n toW-RMU 121 via Z-CIM 153 a-n. W-RMU 121 then generates TCP/IP signalswhich are transmitted to user workstation 101.

The transmission of video signals from a remote device to the userworkstation 101 may require additional steps of digitization andcompression depending on the format of signals outputted from remotedevice 141 a-n. Video signals are received by KVM Z-CIM 153 a-n from thevideo port of remote computer 141 a-n. The video signals are thentransmitted via chain 151 to W-RMU 121. W-RMU 121 digitizes, conditions,compresses, and transmits the signals as TCP/IP data to user workstation101. User workstation 101 receives the video signals, decompresses thesignals and displays the signals on local video monitor 105.

Turning next to FIG. 5, if the user selects to control a remote device141 a-n via serial device access, the user is presented with, forexample, terminal window 501 on local monitor 105. The user can enterdata using local keyboard 103 and cursor control device 107. Userworkstation 101 receives this data and transmits it to W-RMU 121 asTCP/IP data. W-RMU 121 receives the TCP/IP data and extracts theinformation entered by the user. W-RMU 121 then creates serial data fromthis information which is transmitted to the select remote device 141a-n via that device's serial port connection to Z-CIM 153 a-n and theZ-CIM connection to W-RMU 121 via chain 151.

Serial communication is bi-directional, with the serial data also beingoutput by remote device 141 a-n. In this direction, the output serialdata is transmitted to W-RMU 121 via Z-CIM 153 a-n. W-RMU 121 generatesTCP/IP data that includes this serial data and transmits the TCP/IP datato user workstation 101 via the wireless or wired network TCP/IPconnection. User workstation 101 receives the TCP/IP data, interpretsthis data, and outputs the data to terminal window 501 on video monitor105.

The system allows for multiple desktop windows 401 and terminal windows501 to be open simultaneously. A user can switch between these windowsusing keyboard 103 or cursor control device 107. This feature enables auser to simultaneously monitor multiple remote devices from one userworkstation using a variety of access methods.

Turning next to FIG. 6, depicted is a detailed block diagram of W-RMU121. Data is transmitted over connections 157, preferably Category 5(“CAT5”) cables. Connections 157 consist of four twisted pairs: three(3) video pairs 617 and one (1) data pair 619. Connections 157 arereceived at input/output (“I/O”) ports 615. Preferably, ports 615 areRJ45 connectors capable or connecting to connections 157. However, I/Oports 615 may be any connectors depending on the cabling type ofconnections 157. The three (3) unidirectional video pairs 617 are sentto Analog to Digital (“A/D”) converter 607, where the video pairs areconverted from an analog format to a digital format, if necessary. Next,the video signals are sent to video processor 603 for processing.Preferably, video processor 603 is a Field Programmed Gate Array(“FPGA”), but one of skill in the art will recognize that other types ofprocessors may be utilized without departing from the spirit of theinvention. FPGAs have the advantage of being faster than amicroprocessor, but are more limited in the logic that they can performin comparison to other processors. The processed video signals arestored in local video storage units 601. Next, the processed videosignals are sent to microprocessor 605 for further processing. As thereare two (2) connections 157, two (2) A/D converters 607, two (2) videoprocessors 603, two (2) local video storage units 601 are necessary, one(1) for each connection 157. The same is true for combiners 611.

The fourth twisted pair on connection 157 is bi-directional data pair619. Each of the data pairs 619 received at I/O ports 615 are sent tocombiners 611, where power is multiplexed with each bi-directional datapair. Power module 613 provides power to power W-RMU 121. Each of thecombined data signals is then sent to interface circuitry 609. Interfacecircuitry 609 provides a half duplex connection to Z-CIM chain 151 fromW-RMU 121. It provides electrical drivers to the combined data signal.Additionally, interface circuitry 609 provides the appropriate datalevels for microprocessor 605. The data signals are sent from interfacecircuitry 609 to microprocessor 605. Microprocessor 605 combines thedata signals from interface circuitry 609 and video signals from videoprocessor 603 into a data packet for transmission to wirelesscommunications device 123. The data packet is then sent to theappropriate user workstations 101 via antenna 125. Alternatively, anetwork card 127 can be used (not shown in FIG. 6), to send the datapacket to the appropriate user workstation 101. Also, a modem can beused.

Wireless communications device 123 also receives signals via antenna 125from user workstations 101. The signal, containing video and datainformation, is sent to microprocessor 605. The data packet is separatedand the data signals are sent to interface circuitry 609, which provideselectrical drivers and the appropriate levels for sending the data tothe two combiners 611. Each data pair is then sent to combiners 611 andthen to the appropriate Z-CIM 153 via connection 157.

FIG. 7 depicts a detailed block diagram of a first class of Z-CIM 153 aor 153 c. Connection 157, preferably CAT5 cabling, contains three (3)unidirectional video pairs 716 and one (1) bi-directional data pair 718.The three (3) unidirectional video pairs 716 are received by Z-CIM 153 aor 153 c via port 702. In the present embodiment, port 702 is an RJ45connector for connecting to CAT5 cabling. However, port 702 may be anytype of port depending on connection 157 without departing from thespirit of the invention. Port 702 may connect to a terminator, W-RMU121, or another Z-CIM 153. The three (3) video pairs 716 are sent torelay tree 705, which can switch the video pairs 716 to either side ofconnection 157.

Remote device 141 a,c transmits unidirectional video signals from videoport 710 on remote device 141 a,c to video port 704 on Z-CIM 153 a,c.The video signal from remote device 141 a,c is then sent to syncextraction and level insertion circuitry 701. Preferably, circuitry 701takes the 5-bit video signals (1 for red, 1 for blue, 1 for green, 1 forhorizontal sync, and 1 for vertical sync) and combines each of the two(2) sync signals onto a separate color for transmission over CAT5cabling. Also, a known reference signature voltage is inserted in orderto provide automatic gain compensation. The combined video signals arethen sent to video driver 703, where the signals are further processedas necessary. Next, the signals are sent to relay tree 705 where theyare combined with the appropriate video pair of the aforementioned three(3) unidirectional video pairs 716. Relay tree 705 sends the three (3)combined video pairs, containing information regarding video signals, toport 700. Preferably, port 700 is an RJ45 connector for connecting toCAT5 cabling. However, port 700 may be any type of port depending onconnection 157 without departing from the spirit of the invention. Port700 may be connected to another Z-CIM 153 or to W-RMU 121.

The bi-directional keyboard and cursor control signals from remotedevice 141 a,c are sent to Z-CIM 153 a,c from keyboard port 712 andcursor control port 714 on remote device 141 a,c to keyboard port 706and cursor control port 708 on Z-CIM 153 a,c, respectively. Interfacelogic 707 receives the keyboard and cursor control signals and appliesthe appropriate logic to the signals. The keyboard and cursor controlsignals are then sent to microprocessor 709, which combines the keyboardand cursor control signals into a data packet. Microprocessor 709interfaces to remote device's 141 a,c keyboard and cursor control lines.The data packet is then sent to interface circuitry 711. Interfacecircuitry 711 is preferably an RS485 interface, which applies the properprotocol. Interface circuitry 711 bi-directionally communicates withboth power extractor 713 and microprocessor 709. Power extractor 713extracts power from remote device 141 a,c via data pair 718 onconnection 157 in order to power Z-CIM 153 a, c. Additionally, powerextractor 713 acts as a multiplexer/de-multiplexer multiplexing theincoming signal from interface circuitry 711 with the data pair. Thedata pair, now containing keyboard and cursor control information, issent to another Z-CIM 153. However, if the Z-CIM 153 is the last in theZ-CIM chain, it is then sent to either W-RMU 121 or to a terminator.Z-CIM 153 a,c can also receive and convert data from user workstation101 via W-RMU 121 for transmission to remote device 141 a,c.

FIG. 8 is a detailed block diagram of a second class of Z-CIM 153 b. Itis similar to Z-CIM 153 a,c in FIG. 7, except that Z-CIM 153 b has novideo components. As shown in FIG. 8, the video signals 811 received atport 804 pass through Z-CIM 153 b. Port 804 is preferably an RJ45connector. Port 804 may be connected to a terminator, W-RMU 121, oranother Z-CIM 153. Network device 141 b bi-directionally communicateswith Z-CIM 153 b over connection 143. Z-CIM 153 b sends and receivesdata via port 802. Preferably, port 802 is an RS232 interface forconnecting to a serial RS232 cable. However, port 802 can be any portnecessary for connecting Z-CIM 153 b to network device 141 b. Datareceived from network device 141 b by Z-CIM 153 b via port 802 is sentto interface logic 801. Interface logic 801 receives the serial datasignals from network device 141 b and applies appropriate logic to thesignals. The serial data signals are then sent to microprocessor 803,which combines the serial data signals into a data packet. The datapacket is then sent to interface circuitry 805. Interface circuitry 805is preferably an RS485 interface, which applies the proper protocol tothe signals. Interface circuitry 805 bi-directionally communicates withboth power extractor 807 and microprocessor 803. Power extractor 807extracts power from the W-RMU via data pair 813 on connection 157 inorder to power Z-CIM 153 b. Additionally, power extractor 807 acts as amultiplexer/de-multiplexer multiplexing the incoming signal frominterface circuitry 805 with data pair 813. The data pair, nowcontaining serial data information, is then sent to another Z-CIM 153via port 806. Port 806 is preferably an RJ45 connector. Port 806 may beconnected to either another Z-CIM 153 or to W-RMU 121. If Z-CIM 153 b isthe last in the Z-CIM chain, it is then sent to either W-RMU 121 or aterminator. Similarly, Z-CIM 153 b can send keyboard and cursor controlsignals from user workstation 101 via W-RMU 121 to the network device141 b.

While the present invention has been described with reference to thepreferred embodiments and several alternative embodiments, whichembodiments have been set forth in considerable detail for the purposesof making a complete disclosure of the invention, such embodiments aremerely exemplary and are not intended to be limiting or represent anexhaustive enumeration of all aspects of the invention. The scope of theinvention, therefore, shall be defined solely by the following claims.Further, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that numerouschanges may be made in such details without departing from the spiritand the principles of the invention. It should be appreciated that thepresent invention is capable of being embodied in other forms withoutdeparting from its essential characteristics.

1. A wireless, multifunction remote device management system comprising:at least one user workstation of the type including at least one fromthe group consisting of: a keyboard, a monitor, and a cursor controldevice; at least one remote device; at least one remote interface modulecoupled to said remote device; and at least one remote device managementunit coupled to said user workstation and said remote interface module.2. A system according to claim 1, wherein said remote device managementunit bi-directionally communicates with said user workstation over awireless network.
 3. (canceled)
 4. A system according to claim 1,wherein said remote interface module bi-directionally communicates withsaid remote device management unit.
 5. A system according to claim 1,wherein said remote interface modules are coupled in a chain-likeconfiguration.
 6. A system according to claim 5, wherein the first ofsaid remote interface modules in said chain-like configuration isconnected to said remote device management unit.
 7. A system accordingto claim 1, wherein the last of said remote interface modules isconnected to either said remote device management unit or a terminator.8. (canceled)
 9. A system according to claim 1, wherein said remoteinterface modules comprise a first class of remote interface modules anda second class of remote interface modules.
 10. A system according toclaim 9, wherein said first class of remote interface modules connect toremote devices with video.
 11. A system according to claim 9, whereinsaid first class of remote interface modules is powered by said remotedevice.
 12. A system according to claim 9, wherein said second class ofremote interface modules connect to remote devices without video.
 13. Asystem according to claim 9, wherein said second class of remoteinterface modules is powered by said remote device management unit. 14.A system according to claim 1, wherein a user may control a plurality ofsaid remote devices at one time. 15.-16. (canceled)
 17. A systemaccording to claim 1, wherein said system enables power supply controlof said remote device from said user workstation.
 18. A wirelessmultifunctional remote device management system comprising: at least oneuser workstation of the type including at least one of the groupconsisting of: a keyboard, a monitor, and a cursor control device; atleast one remote device; at least one remote interface module coupled tosaid remote device; and at least one remote device management unitcoupled to said user workstation and said remote interface module,wherein said remote interface module is at least one of a first class ofremote interface modules, or a second class of remote interface modules.19. A system according to claim 18, wherein said first class of remoteinterface modules comprises: an input port, wherein said input portconnects to one of said remote device management unit, another remoteinterface module, or a terminator; an output port, wherein said outputport connects to one of another remote interface module, or a remotedevice management unit; connections for receiving video output of aremote device, for sending and receiving keyboard signals from saidremote device, and for sending and receiving cursor control signals fromsaid remote device; and circuitry for power control, sending andreceiving signals, signal conversion, and storage.
 20. A systemaccording to claim 18, wherein said first class of remote interfacemodules receives power from said remote device.
 21. A system accordingto claim 19, wherein said input port receives video and data signals.22. A system according to claim 19, wherein said circuitry converts andcombines said video output with said video signals received by saidinput port for transmission.
 23. A system according to claim 19, whereinsaid circuitry combines said keyboard signals and said cursor controlsignals into a data packet.
 24. A system according to claim 23, whereinsaid data signal received at said input port is combined with said datapacket by said circuitry for transmission.
 25. A system according toclaim 18, wherein said first class of remote interface modulesbi-directionally communicates with said remote device and said remotedevice management unit.
 26. A system according to claim 18, wherein saidremote device management unit bi-directionally communicates with saiduser workstation over a wireless network.
 27. A system according toclaim 18, wherein said second class of remote interface modulescomprises: an input port, wherein said input port connects to one ofsaid remote device management unit, another remote interface module, ora terminator; an output port, wherein said output port connects to oneof another remote interface module, or a remote device management unit;connections for sending and receiving serial signals from a remotedevice; and circuitry for power control, sending and receiving signals,signal conversion, and storage.
 28. A system according to claim 18,wherein said second class of remote interface modules receives powerfrom said remote device management unit.
 29. A system according to claim27, wherein said input port receives video and data signals.
 30. Asystem according to claim 29, wherein said video signals pass directlythrough said second class of remote interface modules.
 31. A systemaccording to claim 27, wherein said circuitry converts said serialsignals into a data packet.
 32. A system according to claim 31, whereinsaid data signal received at said input port is combined by saidcircuitry with said data packet for transmission.
 33. A system accordingto claim 18, where said second class of remote interface modulesbi-directionally communicates with said remote device and said remotedevice management unit.
 34. A system according to claim 18, wherein saidfirst and second classes of remote interface modules are connected in achain-like configuration, wherein said first class and said second classof remote interface modules are connected to each other in saidchain-like configuration, wherein the first of said remote interfacemodules in said chain-like configuration is further connected to aremote device management unit, and wherein the last of said remoteinterface modules in said chain-like configuration is further connectedto either a remote device management unit or to a terminator.